Renewables magnate Riquelme launches Real Madrid presidency bid - source

MADRID, May 21 : Renewables magnate Enrique Riquelme informed Real Madrid's board on Thursday of his intention to run for the club's presidency, according to a source with knowledge of the matter, the first challenge in more than two decades to Florentino Perez's vice-like grip on the world's richest soccer club.

Riquelme, founder of renewable energy company Cox, informed the Real Madrid board of his intention to announce his candidacy on Thursday, the source said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. Under electoral rules, he has until Saturday to make a definitive decision on whether he will go ahead with the bid.

Cox's press office declined to comment.

Riquelme founded Cox Energy in 2014 to specialise in solar power in Europe and Latin America, winning significant projects in Chile, Mexico, and Spain. The company manages more than 1.2 GW of energy projects in Spain through Ibox Energy.

Perez, 79, announced new elections this month despite still having two years left on his mandate, after a turbulent season for the record 15-times European champions that brought no silverware and was marked by fighting among players and the abrupt sacking of manager Xabi Alonso. Real's arch-rivals Barcelona retained the LaLiga title.

PEREZ RAILED AGAINST MEDIA

In a rambling press conference on May 12 to announce the elections, Perez railed against the media and groups he said were trying to take over the club, challenging anyone to compete against him. 

In an apparent reference to Riquelme, Perez said "that man who talks with the electric companies and who has a South American accent" was conspiring against the club.

"I want him to present himself with his people so we can talk about football but not behind the scenes